Catching Up

I've been pretty busy with work the past few days, so I haven't really had the time to sit down, review Pirates news, and write. So I'm going to go through some news and get caught up with what has been going on.

TJ Beam Claimed Off Waivers By Blue Jays
-- Just as I predicted, Beam was picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday. No big surprise because I think Beam has the potential to be a decent pitcher. Nothing spectacular, however, nothing horrible either. Best of luck to TJ Beam

Andy LaRoche Tweaks Swing
--According to pirates.com, Andy LaRoche went to hitting coach Don Long's place in the winter to work on some swing mechanics. LaRoche had an awful August and September last season after coming over the the Pirates from the Dodgers. If this kid is going to be our everyday 3rd baseman, he really needs to step it up and live up to that top tier prospect tag he had while in the Dodgers system. Unless Ramon Vasquez or Neil Walker have a great Spring Training, LaRoche will be on 3rd.

Just over 6 days until pitchers and catchers report.

Lets Go Bucs!
Vote for Romulo!

Beam Me Up (Down) Hunty

Reliever TJ Beam was designated for assignment to make room for Eric Hinske on the 40-man roster. The Pirates will look to place him on waivers and have Beam clear them so he can be assigned to AAA Indy.

I don't think Beam will clear, and thus, will be picked up by some other team. His 4.14 ERA over 32 games (45.2 innings) isn't horrible. However, he will need to work on his K:BB ratio for better success. He had 24 Ks against 20 BBs last season.

Beam, I feel, would be a decent low risk, high potential pick up for some team out there.

Crap...I just realized that I made another Hinske related post.

Lets Go Bucs!

---------

photo credit: TJ Beam as a Yankee - 316sports